Program Information
Arrival
• Hang coats and personal belongings in the designated area.
• Check-in and put a name tag on you and your child each week.
• Wash hands with soap and water before starting class activities.
The ECFE Classroom
• You and your child will spend time together in the classroom, which is set up with learning activities to enjoy together.
• During discussion time, children and parents / caregivers may separate from each other( infants four months and younger stay with their parent / caregiver the entire class time).
• In some age-specific classes, separation is gradual. Staff will work with you to make separation go smoothly for you and your child.
• Siblings of the registered child must be registered in the ECFE class to attend and fall within the age guidelines of the class to attend.
Teaching Strategies Gold Feedback
• ECFE uses an adapted version of the assessment tool, Teaching Strategies Gold, to provide developmentally appropriate activities, feedback and education.
• Parents and the Early Childhood staff will have opportunities to observe and learn about how your child is growing, developing and learning.
As mandated reporters, we are required by law to report any signs of child abuse / neglect.
Anoka-Hennepin ECFE prioritizes a supportive and age-appropriate environment for all children. Our physical guidance is designed to ensure safety while respecting each child’ s developmental stage:
• Children Under Age 3: It is developmentally appropriate for staff to pick up or carry a child under three years old to provide comfort or redirection.
• Children Ages 3 to 5: Physical redirection for children over three is generally reserved for situations involving immediate physical risk. In non-emergency situations, staff will offer choices— such as holding a hand or a walking rope— or provide gentle guidance.
As mandated reporters, we are required by law to report any signs of child abuse / neglect.
Room Guidelines
• Follow your child’ s lead and connect with them by paying attention and getting down to their level.
• Stay with your child, you are in charge of their safety and behavior.
• Encourage your child to participate.
• Young children are not expected to share. Sharing is a learned behavior that will develop over time.
• We expect crying and age-appropriate behavior from children. It’ s ok, this is a time for learning!
• Please limit your cell phone use. We are here to play, learn and connect with each other.
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Positive Behavior Guidance
ECFE teachers use positive behavior management techniques to help children learn developmentally appropriate behaviors for interacting with other children at school. If children need additional support, staff will connect with parents to develop and implement a guidance plan to ensure a safe and secure classroom environment for all children, parents / caregivers and staff.